My John Deere Mower Smokes When Starting

Initial Considerations

• A John Deere lawnmower with a two-stroke engine produces a bit more smoke than other engine models because a two-strike engine burns oil as well as fuel. Old, dirty oil can exaggerate the effect.

  Alternatively, the mower could have a manufacturer's error. Check whether or not the specific model of mower was recalled.

Poor Fuel Management

• The mower's engine may flood due to a mechanical failure, leading it to burn extra fuel and produce smoke. A faulty choke is a possible cause of the problem.

  Also, stale fuel does not burn as cleanly as fresh fuel and could cause smoke.

  Another possible cause is an air-to-fuel ratio problem. A dirty radiator or faulty thermostat can cause a John Deere mower to smoke.

  Bad spark plugs are an additional factor. They can cause an incomplete burn of the fuel mixture in the cylinders, leading to dirty exhaust.

Dirty Air

• A dirty air filter lets dirty air get into the mower's engine, which means you'll see dirtier exhaust. A dirty carburetor causes similar smoke problems because a carburetor is the part of the mower that blends fuel and air.

Solutions

• Some simple smoke problems can be fixed at home with the correct tools. The most difficult part of the project is diagnosing the problem, which is why, unless you are an expert, it is best to take the mower to a reputable dealership. It will have brand-name parts and mechanics who are familiar with John Deere mower smoke problems.